Sea Ray Living Vol 18 Issue 01

SEA RAY

LIVING LAUNCH INTO LIVING

VOLUME 18 ISSUE 01

TOUR THE CÔTE D’AZUR | SPLASH DOWN IN THE IDAHO PANHANDLE FETCH MEMORIES IN SEATTLE | MEET THE SUNDANCER’S NEXT EVOLUTION

sr.sp17.Cover.indd 1

4/7/17 3:33 PM

sr.sp17_spread.indd 2

4/4/17 11:54 AM

sr.sp17_spread.indd 1

4/4/17 11:54 AM

S E A R AY L I V I N G

CONTENTS

68 sr.sp17_toc.indd 2

SPOTLIGHT

HOST WITH THE MOST

Social, spacious and packed with design innovations, Sea Ray’s new SLX 400 is the consummate entertaining platform. Learn how features including convertible cockpit seating and a clever new swim terrace have raised the bar for luxury sport boating.

4/5/17 11:08 AM

VOLUME

18 ISSUE 01

20 30 42 52 60

LIVING THE LIFE

For 17 years, Sea Ray Living has recorded and shared the Sea Ray life, capturing sunshine and smiles, wind in the hair, family and friends, and great destinations galore. Join us for a look back at the many unforgettable memories.

FETCHING THE GOOD LIFE

A Sea Ray dog and her family chase all that owning a yacht has to offer, enjoying prime views, waterfront dining and boutique shopping by steering their Sundancer 510 to some of the Seattle area’s most charming ports of call.

G I R L S J U S T WA N N A B O A T

Jason and Devin Heffernan treat their three young girls to quality time on Idaho’s Lake Coeur d’Alene. A Sundancer 260 offers the family precisely the built-in comfort, safety and performance they need to pack adventure into every outing.

OH CANADA

A lifelong boater uses his Sea Ray to disconnect from work and relax with his family in the great outdoors. The Fly 510 provides the perfect means with which to explore British Columbia’s practically endless shoreline.

N AT U R A L W O N D E R

The Sundancer 320 will open your mind to a new kind of boating. By blending the values of a cruiser and a bowrider in one compelling package, the 320 successfully reimagines the balance of indoor and outdoor space.

08 LIFE

Enhance your Sea Ray lifestyle with the Life Collection—a sampling of finely crafted goods, delectable edibles and desirable experiences, assembled by the editors at Sea Ray Living.

16

D E S T I N AT I O N S

Experience the cities of the Côte d’Azur from the aquamarine waters that inspire its name. Life naturally orients itself around the Mediterranean in destinations including Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Nice.

18

TRAILERING

Vermont entices with its pristine lakes, abundant vegetation, diverse wildlife and ample natural beauty. A Sea Ray SDX and a sophisticated GMC® vehicle provide the all-access pass.

Andelent et odio. Ribus adipsandi blaborum quam, to occuptatur ma doluptat ulligni aecerum quam estinci endit, vene con nimus, cus architate nim ratem ventisquiae asped eturepellit fuga. Itam et dolorehent. Raturiam, con pratur, ut quiassunt omnihic iaturi cum eum volupta tusaperia iur as et maximinum ventur audigen imilluptatur reris arit ent, vendame occusam eum harum

sr.sp17_toc.indd 3

4/7/17 10:31 AM

S E A R AY L I V I N G

PRESIDENTS’ LETTER VOLUME

18 ISSUE 01

Over the years, Sea Ray Living has served Sea Ray owners and fans with stories and news about the Sea Ray lifestyle, and the boats that make it possible. We understand the interests and needs of our owners better than anyone, and we want to continue to serve you world-class lifestyle, community and product content in the most convenient way possible.

This has led us to evolve how we deliver the stories, photos and information you love. The kinds of content you’ve been getting through Sea Ray Living—as well as a stream of new videos, announcements and event opportunities—will now be found online, conveniently accessible 24/7, wherever you may be. We’re calling this new content realm “Sea Ray Life,” and its aim is to celebrate all of the things that make up your Sea Ray life.

Sea Ray Life will take the form of a vibrant new section of searay.com, with periodic emails highlighting new stories and events. This program will exist in tandem with the Sea Ray Owners Club Online Community, found at ownersclub.searay.com, where you can find all of the resources, FAQs and conversations you need to help you lead your best Sea Ray life.

We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to bringing you an enhanced owner experience. Now, we invite you to turn to page 20 to enjoy a look back at some of our favorite moments from the past 17 years of Sea Ray Living.

Throughout this issue, as ever, you’ll find in-depth information on some of our newest boats and meet families who are relishing their time on the water.

Thank you for being a member of the Sea Ray family. We look forward to all that our collective boating future holds!

Over the years, Sea Ray Living has served Sea Ray owners and fans with stories and news about the Sea Ray lifestyle, and the boats that make it possible.

Scott Ward President and General Manager, Sea Ray Sport Yachts & Yachts

Sea Ray Living

Brad Anderson President and General Manager, Sea Ray Sport Boats & Sport Cruisers

4

sr.sp17.prez.indd 4

4/7/17 10:31 AM

#GETOUTHERE

BYOB (BRING YOUR OWN BOAT)

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED

$300

Out here, all you need is a boat and a thirst for adventure. From Bimini to The Abacos to Eleuthera to Harbour Island, use your $300 fuel credit to chart your own course across The Bahamas Out Islands.*

Boating Fuel Credit

Discover all our latest specials at BYOBMyOutIslands.com

ABACOS

ACKLINS

ANDROS

BERRY ISLANDS

BIMINI

CAT ISLAND

CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA

EXUMAS

HARBOUR ISLAND

LONG ISLAND

SAN SALVADOR

*One instant $300 fuel credit per stay at a certified and participating marina combined with a 4-night minimum consecutive stay at a participating BOIPB member hotel. Not combinable with any other credit promotions.

sr.sp17_ADS.indd sr.su16_ADS.indd 513

4/4/17 10/6/16 11:58 2:14 AM PM

VOLUME 1 8

ISSUE 01

CONTRIBUTORS 1

2

gets acquainted with a canine co-captain and her family in Seattle; spends time in Idaho on Lake Coeur d’Alene; and explores British Columbia with a friendly couple and their Fly 510.

3 Mike

3

4

1 Clover

Smart

“Green Mountain Glory” page 18 A writer and editor based in Madison, Wisconsin, Clover’s work has appeared in many online publications. When not writing, she prefers to be outdoors, biking or hiking with her Standard Poodlemix, Shorty. In this issue, she takes readers on a trailering expedition through the gorgeous state of Vermont.

2 Jennifer

Chesak

“Fetching the Good Life” page 30 “Girls Just Wanna Boat” page 42 “Oh Canada” page 52 As one of Sea Ray Living’s longest-running contributors, Jennifer’s assignments have taken her all over the world.

For this issue, Jennifer

Calabro

“Green Mountain Glory” page 18 An adventure photographer and longtime contributor to Sea Ray Living, Mike has documented subjects that include piranha fishing in the Amazon, riding Harleys in the desert, and grizzly bear watching in Glacier National Park. For this issue, Mike toured the lakes of Vermont with a Sea Ray sport boat in tow.

4 Robert

Glover

“Fetching the Good Life” page 30 “Girls Just Wanna Boat” page 42 “Oh Canada” page 52 With over 20 years of commercial photography experience, Robert Glover’s images have appeared in campaigns for Mercury, Arctic Cat, Lowe’s, Sea Ray and many others. His distinctive style blends extreme angles, intense color and motion. For this issue, he explored the Pacific Northwest, capturing the enthusiasm of several boating families along the way.

Brad Anderson President and General Manager, Sport Boats & Sport Cruisers Scott Ward President and General Manager, Sport Yachts & Yachts | Shelby Kirby Director of Marketing

SEA RAY

LIVING

magazine

President, Publisher Douglas Leik | Editorial Director Randy Hess Managing Editor Amy Wideman | Senior Editor Elli Purtell Editor at Large Jennifer Chesak | Editor at Large Alexa Poteet Creative Director Russell Duncan | Digital Creative Director Kraig Devenport Art Director Justin Goode | Graphic Designer Brittany Huisenga Contributors Clover Smart, Colleen Tolan Photographers Mike Calabro, Robert Glover, Richard Steinberger, Jerom Wassenaar

sr.sp17.contributors.indd 6

Sea Ray Living is published for Sea Ray Boats by Dino Publishing LLC. Any correspondence should be directed to: Dino Publishing, 350 W. Hubbard St. Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60654 www.dinopublishing.com email: dleik@dinopublishing.com The opinions expressed in this magazine are not to be considered official expressions of Dino Publishing or Sea Ray. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all editorial or advertising matter. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or artwork. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Printed in U.S.A. Copyright © 2017 Sea Ray Boats.

4/7/17 10:34 AM

LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN WILD...

The world’s finest yachts require the most distinctive and long-lasting finish. For that reason Awlgrip developed a revolutionary new topcoat as part of a tailor-made high-gloss paint system. The result is a fast-drying and easy to apply topcoat that comes in a limitless color palette of solids, metallics and luxurious effects only bound by your imagination.

www.awlgrip.com

facebook.com/awlgripfinishfirst

twitter.com/awlgrip

All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. Š AkzoNobel 2017.

8392/0317

sr.sp17_ADS.indd 7

4/5/17 2:27 PM

[ S E A R AY L I V I N G ]

LI FE LIFE & TIMES:

OCEANOGRAPHIC MUSEUM OF MONACO Perched cliffside on the Rock of Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum is a symbol of Monaco’s identity and inextricable connection to the sea. It’s also home to the esteemed Mediterranean Science Commission. The museum features thousands of natural history specimens, many collected by Prince Albert I of Monaco himself, along with measuring and sampling equipment from his research yachts. Fascinating underwater artwork is on display—including a jellyfish chandelier and four “radiolarium” lamps. The most unique items can be found in the “Oceanomania” exhibit, a collection of marine curiosities from skeletons and fossils to diving gear and precious books. Whether you arrive in Monaco by Sea Ray, train or on foot, it’s worth planning a face-to-face encounter with the Mediterranean’s hidden treasures.

For more riches of the Riviera, turn to page 16.

sr.sp17.Life.indd 8

4/7/17 1:49 PM

S E A R AY

LIFE

THE COLLECTION A taste for the finer things is what brought you to Sea Ray. To further cultivate your boating lifestyle, we bring you the Life Collection. Selected by the editors of Sea Ray Living, the Life Collection includes exquisitely crafted goods and covetable experiences—in short, a guide to the well-lived life, both on and off the water.

ARM CANDY

Multi Colored Wrap Bracelet Nothing says “nautically inclined” quite like this ivorycotton rope bracelet with red, white and navy thread detail.

Gold-plated spacer beads and clasp echo traditional boat hardware, and look sharp with any boating attire. ($28; allisoncolejewelry.com)

SIXTH SCENTS Joya FoxGlove Parfum

Inspired by the botanical history of New York’s Central Park, Joya’s FoxGlove perfume oil blends salt meadow grass, blood orange, hyacinth leaves, jasmine and white cedar, all housed in a handcrafted green porcelain bottle with 22-karat gold-dipped wand. Delight in every application. ($135; net-a-porter.com)

OFF THE CUFF

Begum Khan Freshwater Pearl Cufflinks Freshwater baroque pearls give these links a luxurious feel of sensibility and funky splendor. Each pair is uniquely cragged and swirled with hints of color, for a one-of-a-kind expression that suggests a worldly sense of style. ($360; modaoperandi.com)

PRIME TIME

Bremont America’s Cup 1

vol. 18 issue 01

Chronometer rated with a top-execution automatic movement, the AC 1 is an obvious choice for those with a fascination for mechanical watches—or a love of the sea. The ivory opaline dial features a subtle, embossed Cup motif. ($4,695; bremont.com)

9

sr.sp17.Life.indd 9

4/5/17 11:13 AM

S E A R AY

LIFE

BURN AFTER READING Fire Hurricane Tealight Candle Holder

Add a romantic glow to any space with this rustically elegant candle holder, crafted from smoked glass and zinc alloy. Available with a black, copper or antique copper base, the dome reflects light in captivating ways. ($45; store.luminaire.com)

CUTTING-EDGE Bone Anchor Knife

Handmade in Solingen, Germany, by acclaimed craftsman Otter-Messer, the Anchor knife features a Granadillo hardwood handle with brass inlay and a C75 carbon steel blade. Designed to withstand the elements, the tool would be right at home in any boater’s back pocket. ($128; bestmadeco.com)

DRINK LIKE A… Fish Flask

Anglers know that fishing takes patience. Fill this cleverly shaped 4-oz. stainless-steel flask with something to warm your belly while you wait. Or slip it into your Sea Ray’s glove box and enjoy a nip at sunset, once the anchor is down among the fishes. ($29; coolmaterial.com)

SOMETHING’S BREWING Sea Ray Living

Collar Espresso Maker

Sleek Scandinavian design and Italian engineering combine to produce a deliciously full-bodied cup of coffee. The classic “Moka Pot”-style stovetop espresso maker, here in matte-black stainless steel, works equally well in a home kitchen or Sea Ray galley. ($84.95; lumens.com)

10

sr.sp17.Life.indd 10

4/5/17 11:14 AM

THINK GLOBAL

Authentic Models Globe Mobile More than meets the eye: This captivating mobile features globes from five centuries, demonstrating the advancement of cartography.

These various interpretations of Earth move in perpetual circles, a gentle reminder of how much world is out there to explore. ($76; amazon.com))

IT’S A HIT

Trancoso Wooden Beach Bat and Ball Set Take a swing at Frescobol Carioca, a paddle game popular in Brazil.

This wooden set is finished with a protective resin to resist the effects of salt and sand. Cushioned grips go easy on your palm, so you can go hard on your opponent. ($245; mrporter.com)

WHAT A DEAL

Playing Cards by Hay & Clara von Zweigbergkt

St. Pierre American Presidential Edition Horseshoe Set Approved for tournament play by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association, this kit contains everything you need for a friendly game.

Gold- and silver-colored shoes come in an attractive pine box just begging to be carted to your next beach party. ($65; bespokepost.com)

vol. 18 issue 01

This charming set features designer Clara von Zweigbergkt’s graphic rework of the traditional playing card symbols, backed in brilliant red. For poker nights in the cabin or a round of Go Fish in the bow, it pays to play with a full deck. ($11; aplusrstore.com)

SHOE COLLECTION

11

sr.sp17.Life.indd 11

4/5/17 11:14 AM

S E A R AY

LIFE

DOWN TO THE WIRE Native Union Night Cable

Ten feet of USB/Lightning cable provide the freedom to charge your Apple® devices anywhere, while a weighted knot anchors itself to any flat surface to eliminate frustrated fumbling behind the nightstand—and lend a nautical accent to any room. ($39.99; nativeunion.com)

FLASH OF BRILLIANCE Diana F+ Lomography Camera

ALL CHARGED UP

Cascade® Powerbank (7800 mAh) Carry a charge wherever you go. The super-portable Cascade features Smart Charge Technology, dual USB ports and a reflective jacket for quick location in the dark. Keep the adventure going far offshore, knowing your phone has juice in reserves. ($69.99; lander.com)

A twist on the cult-classing 60s Diana camera, the Diana F+ produces dreamy, lo-fi images on 120 film.

Kit includes a retro-looking flash and a set of color gel filters. Instagram’s got nothing on this baby. ($89; lomography.com)

HEAR ME OUT

Happy Plugs In-Ear Earplugs Jewelry and function combine in the Happy Plugs headphones. Available in a wide array of colors and patterns, these tiny buds boast big sound and personality to match. Extra ear tips in S, M and L provide a snug fit. ($34.99; happyplugs.com)

VIEW FINDER Olloclip Core Lens Set

Enhance your iPhone® camera’s performance with this set of fisheye, super-wide and macro 15x lenses. Selfie-ready to work seamlessly on both front- and rear-facing cameras, the Core Lens Set is the upgrade your Facebook wall has been waiting for. ($99.99; olloclip.com)

sr.sp17.Life.indd 12

4/7/17 10:38 AM

searay.com/sLX400

MEET THE

ENTERTAINER THE AWARD-WINNING, CROWD-PLEASING SLX 400

Sea Ray proudly introduces the SLX 400, winner of a 2017 NMMA Innovation Award. With its breathtaking performance and design achievements including ergonomic bow touring seats, remarkable storage capacity, and a breakthrough fold-down swim terrace, the SLX 400 is the new standard-bearer for on-water entertaining —

and the epitome of orchestrated excellence.

sr.sp17.SLX400.indd 13

4/5/17 4:27 PM

S E A R AY

LIFE

DEAR DIARY

Hunter Green Journal Soft Italian leather encases 240 pages of 60-lb lined paper, with a maritime rope and brass clasp closure to keep everything secure.

Whether you’re recording a travel log or a middle-of-the-night stream of consciousness, your thoughts are in good hands. ($95; miansai.com)

PEDAL PUSHER

STRiDA LT Folding Bicycle Meet the bike you can bring onboard: the STRiDA stands out from ordinary folding bikes with its lightweight aluminum frame, easy-folding design and clean, silent Kevlar belt. Complement laid-back boating vacations with a little cycling action. ($799; shophorne.com)

RETURN OF THE PACK

Sea Ray Living

Musto Waterproof Dry Pack 1.5L

Musto Sailing has been producing high-performance seafaring gear since the 1960s and remains a trusted source for durable, eye-catching bags. This 1.5 liter-capacity pack keeps essentials dry, no matter what nature (or rowdy family members) subject it to. ($40; mrporter.com)

14

sr.sp17.Life.indd 14

4/5/17 11:14 AM

BOTTLE SERVICE Ghurka Pairing No. 285

Don’t just bring the wine; bring the class. Ghurka’s Pairing Wine Carrier is crafted from French calfskin leather and detailed to ensure protective carrying. For an evening in the park or a toast on the flybridge, it provides white-glove accommodations for your prized bottles. ($650; ghurka.com)

LOCAL FLAVOR

Wallpaper* City Guide Collection From London to Barcelona to Rio and beyond, these 10 streamlined travel bibles are encased in bright Pantone covers and detail the hippest nightlife, buzziest hotels, and best in local art and architecture. Slip one in your bag and travel well. ($140; mrporter.com)

EYE GET IT

Max Pittion—The Diplomat See the world from a new perspective with Max Pittion’s semi-round, minimalistic frames. The glasses’ connections are rounded, allowing the front plate to flow with the lightweight, faux-Bamboo temples and suit a variety of face shapes. ($465; unionlosangeles.com)

POWER PLAYER Sponsored Content

sr.sp17.Life.indd 15

vol. 18 issue 01

Trailer confidently and sacrifice nothing in terms of comfort or style: The 2017 GMC® Sierra® Denali® HD is equal parts beauty and brawn. Premium interior refinements include heated and ventilated front seats for extra comfort and triple door seals to help block road noise. And with an available 6.6L Duramax Diesel engine producing 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque, there’s plenty of muscle for big adventures. For a trip to the boat ramp or a day of shopping, the Sierra Denali HD rises to the occasion.

Visit gmc.com for more information.

15

4/5/17 11:14 AM

LIFE

D E S T I NAT I O N Monaco

Nice

RIVIERA RICHES Experience the cities of the Côte d’Azur from the aquamarine waters that inspire its name

The fabled French Riviera offers more than 550 miles of stunning coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, with tranquil beaches and majestic mountains both contributing to a portrait of natural beauty. Medieval villages tuck into the hillsides, olive groves stretch inland and sailboats bob lazily offshore. The Côte d’Azur also has its fair share of glitz and glam. Several major cities cater to the rich and famous, perhaps most noticeably at their ports-of-call, which collectively boast half of the world’s megayacht fleet.

But you don’t have to be a billionaire to enjoy this mesmerizing region by way of water. Whether you want a laid-back day of sipping rosé in Nice or a weekend of indulgence and people-watching in Saint Tropez, a Sea Ray provides the perfect vessel for soaking it all up. Visit one of these coastal cities to get your fix of the good life.

Sea Ray Living

SAINT-TROPEZ Until the mid-1900s, Saint-Tropez enjoyed a quieter existence based primarily around fishing. Bohemian artists and the odd tourist visited for the tranquility and stunning views of the Bay of Saint-Tropez. Eventually, the rich and

WRITTEN BY ELLI THOMPSON PURTELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY IOAN PANAITE, ANDY POL AREV HAMBARDZUMYAN AND CHRISTOPHE BAUDOT

famous caught on to the area’s appeal and transformed the city into one with high-energy nightlife, a bustling port and popular beaches.

Stay in one of the city’s relaxing resorts, and take in the perfumes of olive trees, vineyards, lavender fields and cypress groves. Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Town to see a mix of designer shops and simple vendors, and for a glimpse of history, check out the citadel, a 17th-century fortress that now houses the Museum of Maritime History.

CANNES Best known for its annual film festival that draws the wellheeled from all across the world, Cannes would seem to fit the stereotypical French Riviera scene to a T. But don’t let the nightlife and high-end restaurants fool you—Cannes offers a broad spectrum of diversions for all kinds of visitors, and many opportunities for serene escapes.

Guide your Sea Ray to Lérins Islands, a group of four islands just 2.5 miles from the Port de Cannes. The larger two islands, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, offer gorgeous views of the French coastline, as well as their own natural bounty. Hike through the eucalyptus and pine forests of Le Batéguier, a preserve on Sainte-Marguerite, or tap into your historical side with a visit to the Lérins Abbey, an 11th-century fortified monastery on Saint-Honorat.

16

sr.sp17.destination_Riviera.indd 16

4/7/17 10:42 AM

Cannes

Keep it simple and indulge the Nice way: with moules frites and a glass of rosé.

NICE The largest city in the French Riviera, Nice has cultural offerings for every taste. The centrally located Port de Nice welcomes both ferry companies and private yachts, providing a perfect jumping-off point for a day in the city. Nice has several public beaches, as well as 15 private beaches, for soaking up the rays.

You can also get your fill of the sun by walking the streets of Old Town Nice or shopping along the high-end Rue Paradis. Visit Castle Hill, where the ruins of the Chateau de Nice lie, for spectacular view of the surrounding city and sea.

Then end the day at one of the city’s renowned restaurants, or keep it simple and indulge the Nice way: with moules frites and a glass of rosé.

vol. 18 issue 01

MONACO This bookend to the French Riviera unabashedly displays luxury at every turn. The Port of Monaco stuns with its megayacht-filled docks, and the palatial Monte Carlo Casino looks straight out of a fairytale when lit up on a warm evening.

Skyscrapers and high-rise condos (including the most expensive penthouse in the world) set this city-state apart from its more old-world neighbors along the coast.

Monaco’s perfectly clean streets wind up the mountainside from the port, delivering gorgeous views from various points along the climb. (The famed Grand Prix takes place on these same streets every year in May.) English is the official language here, making the prospect of exploring, shopping and dining less daunting for many.

Though you can hardly turn a corner without being reminded of the extremely wealthy who frequent the city, head to the Prince’s Palace to get a firsthand look at true royalty. The State Apartments are open for visitors from March through October. SR

Saint-Tropez

17

sr.sp17.destination_Riviera.indd 17

4/7/17 10:44 AM

LIFE

D E S T I NAT I O N S The Green Mountains

GREEN MOUNTAIN GLORY Vermont entices with its pristine lakes, abundant vegetation, diverse wildlife and ample natural beauty.

For those seeking the solace of nature, Vermont is tough to top. The Green Mountains (les Verts Monts in French) run the length of the state north to south, providing a picturesque forested backdrop. Each autumn the hills explode into red, orange and gold as colder temperatures settle in. And every summer, Vermont’s 46 named lakes, including mammoth Lake Champlain, entice visitors to drink in their sparkling blues by foot, kayak and powerboat. A Sea Ray SDX 240 and a GMC® Yukon® Denali® provide the perfect means with which to savor it all.

CASPIAN LAKE Steer your GMC and SDX southward along Route 16 and you’ll soon hit Greensboro, home to pristine Caspian Lake.

For over 60 years, Caspian has served as an auditorium for classical music concerts on Sunday evenings throughout the summer. Drop anchor near the Landon Lake House on the southern shore to enjoy the music from the bow of your Sea Ray, then head into nearby Greensboro or Craftsbury for a stay at one of the area’s many charming B&Bs. SR

WRITTEN BY CLOVER SMART TRAILERING PHOTOS BY MIKE CALABRO

Sea Ray Living

LAKE CHAMPLAIN Start your Vermont tour at Lake Champlain, the sixthlargest body of freshwater in the United States. Launch your Sea Ray from one of more than 50 public boat ramps found along its shores, including Champlain Marina and Malletts Bay Boat Launch in Colchester, conveniently the home of Sea Ray dealer Saba Marine. With New York’s Adirondacks to the west and the Green Mountains to the east—not to mention rumored resident sea monster “Champ”—there’s plenty to keep you and your camera entertained.

LAKE WILLOUGHBY From Colchester, head northeast until you reach the Lake Willoughby Access Area on Route 5A in Westmore. Lake Willoughby draws outdoor enthusiasts from all around the region with its dramatic, 1,500-foot-high rock cliffs cut into Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah. Cold, deep and crystalclean, the lake and surrounding national park are home to peregrine falcons, loons, and various trout, landlocked salmon and perch—so you may want to pack a rod and reel.

18

sr.sp17.Trailering.indd 18

4/4/17 11:35 AM

Lake Willoughby

Lake Champlain

vol. 18 issue 01 19

sr.sp17.Trailering.indd 19

4/4/17 11:36 AM

17 s

LIV IN G TH E L I F E

FOR 17 YEARS, Sea Ray Living has recorded and shared the Sea Ray life. And that’s a life well worth sharing—full of sunshine and smiles, wind in the hair, family and friends, great destinations, fantastic events, and the clear certainty that Sea Ray owners are, indeed, living the life.

Over the years, the magazine has told the stories of owners all across North America and around the world. On six continents and in dozens of countries, Sea Ray Living has captured Sea Ray owners using their boats to unlock the natural splendor of our blue planet and to add depth and resonance to their family and social lives.

In that time, the ways we record and share our lives have changed unalterably. We all carry high-definition cameras and full video suites in our pockets, with instant broadcast capabilities to reach the great wide world.

We are connected to large networks of people who share our interests, and useful sites that provide endless information. We are consuming various types of content in new ways wherever we happen to be when we want it.

sr.sp17.Farewell.indd 20

In this new reality, Sea Ray Living’s mission is changing. Instead of a printed magazine that comes out several times a year, Sea Ray will now create and share content of different types across multiple channels in an alwayson manner. Renamed Sea Ray Life, this evolved content program will continue to highlight the wonderful experiences and opportunities available to Sea Ray owners.

We offer the following pages to celebrate these past 17 years, and we look forward to sharing the Sea Ray Life with you for years to come.

4/7/17 10:50 AM

sr.wi09.cover.12.11.qxp:Layout 1

12/11/08

1:15 PM

Page 1

BRAD PAISLEY AQUAPALOOZA 2010

2009

AQUAPALOOZA sr.fa10.cover.qxp:Layout 1

10/21/10

12:51 PM

Page 1

sr.wi11.cover:Layout 1

12/17/10

11:31 AM

Page 1

WINTER 2008

sr.sp11.cover.qxp

4/6/11

11:17 AM

Page 1

sr.su11.cover.qxp

7/6/11

SPRING 2009

|

$5.95

SPRING 2009

JULY 25TH

11:21 AM

Page 1

sr.fa11.cover.qxp

10/21/11

10:25 AM

|

$5.95

sr.sp12.cover 4/13/12 11:50 AM Page 1

Page 2

sr.wi12.cover.qxp

1/12/12

3:31 PM

Page 1

$5.95

sr.su09.coverNoMail_Layout 1.1 1

3/28/17 4:13 PM

aquapalooza SUZE ORMAN

The voice of Women in Boating

sr.su13.cover 8/6/13 12:02 PM Page 1

sr.fa12.cover.Final 11/9/12 12:30 PM Page 1

SEA RAY

SEA RAY

SEA RAY

LIVING LIVING LIVING LIVING VOLUME 15 ISSUE 01

L AUNCH INTO LIVING

LAUNCH INTO LIVING

The INSPIRATIONS ISSue

3/28/17 5:02 PM

SEA RAY

sr.wi13.coverREDO_Layout 1.1 1

SEA RAY

3/28/17 5:51 PM

SEA RAY

SEA RAY

sr.fa13.cover.indd 2

SEA RAY

LAUNCH INTO LIVING

THE SENSATIONS ISSUE

9/5/13 5:12 PM

sr.sp14.cover.indd 2

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02

LAUNCH INTO LIVING

sr.sp17.Farewell.indd 21

LAUNCH INTO LIVING

THE COMMUNITY ISSUE

THE ExHilaraTion iSSUE

5/22/15 10:55 AM

sr.wi15.cover.choice.indd 2

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 04

LAUNCH INTO LIVING

THE ADVENTURE ISSUE

LINGER IN THE BAYOUS | VISIT THE JERSEY SHORE PARTY WITH L-CLASS | LEAP INTO LAKE MARTIN

TravEl To abU DHabi | ParTy in Marina DEl rEy ExPlorE THE nEw 470 SUnDancEr | caTcH air in aUSTin

sr.sp15.cover.final.indd 2

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 03

sr.fa15_Cover3.indd 2

LAUNCH INTO LIVING

THE FREEDOM ISSUE

WAKEBOARD IN COLORADO | TRAVEL TO COLOMBIA ROCK OUT IN MARYLAND | EXPLORE THE COAST OF MAINE

9/29/15 5:02 PM

VOLUME 17 ISSUE 01

sr.sp16_Cover.indd 2

LAUNCH INTO LIVING

THE EXPLORATION ISSUE

EXPLORE CAPE COD | JOURNEY TO NEW ZEALAND RAISE A TOAST IN MIAMI | CATCH AIR IN AUSTIN

12/17/15 4:08 PM

VOLUME 17 ISSUE 02

SEA RAY

sr.su16.Cover.indd 2

sr.wi15.cover.indd 2

2/2/15 12:28 PM

The covers of Sea Ray Living form a vibrant timeline, one in which fashions change, technology evolves and the boats themselves adopt exciting new forms. Yet through it all, one thing remains constant: Sea Ray owners truly know how to enjoy themselves.

EXPLORE BIG SKY COUNTRY | CRUISE AROUND VANCOUVER, BC

sr.wi16_Cover_FInal2.indd 2

THE DISCOVERY ISSUE PUTT aROUnD HIlTOn HEaD | CRUISE DOwn UnDER ExPlORE SEaTTlE | VISIT SEa RaY’S nEw DESIgn STUDIO

10/15/14 4:41 PM

COVERING HISTORY

RECHARGE IN NORTH CAROLINA | MEET THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE

10/13/16 2:19 PM

sr.fa14.cover.indd 2

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 01

VOLUME 17 ISSUE 03

THE NATURAL WONDERS ISSUE

SIGHTSEE IN CROATIA | ESCAPE TO THE BAHAMAS CELEBRATE SUMMER IN MONTAUK | VISIT PANAMA CITY BEACH

5/19/16 10:49 AM

LAUNCH INTO LIVING

Tour The easT CoasT wiTh l-Class | MeeT The sPX CraCk Claws in ForT Myers | VisiT GeorGia’s Crown Jewel

5/22/14 10:27 AM

LIVING LIVING LIVING LIVING LIVING LIVING LAUNCH INTO LIVING

VOLUME 15 ISSUE 03

The CelebraTions issue

CIRCLE UP IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA | WIND THROUGH THE ALPS EXPLORE THE NEW L-CLASS | TAKE A PAGE FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE

TOuR The hAmPTON hORSe ClASSIC | Be ChARmed By ChARleSTON TAke A BITe OuT Of TexAS | STeP ABOARd The 510 fly

sr.su12.cover_Layout 1.1 1

VOLUME 15 ISSUE 02

12/21/16 3:25 PM

4/7/17 10:51 AM

Sea Ray Living

Taylor Swift’s First Magazine Cover Yes, the country and pop artist has graced a million magazine covers, but her very first was Sea Ray Living’s Spring 2006 issue when she was 16. Taylor’s family owned a Sundancer 420 and a Sundeck 220 that they used on Old Hickory Lake outside Nashville. “We’ve grown up on Sea Rays,” she told us. “At the age of 4 I lived in a lifejacket.” Taylor actually signed her record deal during our story and over the next few years played several Sea Ray AquaPaloozas as she rose to fame.

22

sr.sp17.Farewell.indd 22

4/7/17 10:54 AM

The Sweet Science

Middleweight contender Jimmy Lange dealt with aggression, pain and recovery during his boxing career. The Sea Ray Amberjack he cruised and fished on the Potomac River helped with that last one. “My business is one of absolute brutality and violence eight months of the year,” Jimmy told Sea Ray Living aboard his Amberjack 290.

“If I didn’t have some kind of escape, I think I’d explode… I can come out and be alone to think about what I need to think about.”

Coolest Grandma Award

In 2005, at the ripe young age of 85, Gwen Stewart nabbed the Guinness World Record for Oldest Female Water Skier, racing along behind her 1992 Ski Ray 175. Her kids and 20 grandkids couldn’t have been prouder.

There She Is…

(These pages, clockwise from opposite) Then-rising star Taylor Swift; boxer Jimmy Lange; Miss America 2005, Deidre Downs with pup Cassie; record-holding water-skier Gwen Stewart.

sr.sp17.Farewell.indd 23

vol. 18 issue 01

Miss America 2005, Deidre Downs, welcomed Sea Ray Living onto her family’s Sea Ray Sundancer 500, where the Alabama native happily swapped her pageant tiara for a captain’s hat.

23

4/3/17 3:54 PM

The Smart Money

Music Man

Suze Orman knows more than a little about liquid assets. The financial expert and Emmy Award-winning TV personality invited Sea Ray Living aboard her Sundeck 280 near Pompano, Florida, to discuss the nautical return on investment. “I love how I feel when I’m on this boat,” she said. “I feel free, I feel powerful, I feel in control…” Suze felt so strongly about women taking on the challenge of boat ownership that she even threw her support behind Sea Ray’s Women in Boating program.

“It was a wise, wise way for me to spend my money because of how it makes me feel.”

Grammy-winning country singer-songwriter Bryan White shared that he feels most at home on his Sea Ray 40-foot Express Cruiser. Docked outside his childhood summerhouse on Lake Texoma, the boat is where he connects with family and finds musical inspiration.

On the Fast Track It’s no stretch to conclude that a man who’s owned two NASCAR teams would know a thing or two about performance. For racing team owner Robert Yates, a Sea Ray Sundancer 550 satisfied his need for speed on the water— not to mention R&R.

Sea Ray Living

Par For the Course (Clockwise from left) PGA golfer Ray Lamb; platinum-selling country music artist Bryan White; NASCAR team owner Robert Yates; performances by Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley, among others, attracted massive crowds of Sea Ray boaters to AquaPalooza over the years; the L650 Fly’s maiden voyage; and Suze Orman and pals take to the open water.

PGA pro and golf instructor Ray Lamb devised a clever way to avoid sand traps: by cruising in his 42-foot Sea Ray Sedan Bridge. The driven Texan told Sea Ray Living in 2007, “I never thought I’d be the kind of person to hang out on a boat, but it’s awesome.”

24

sr.sp17.Farewell.indd 24

4/7/17 2:41 PM

AquaPalooza!

These big floating concerts grew bigger and bigger, and Sea Ray Living waded right into the fun, enjoying shows from Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, Cracker, Soul Asylum, Everclear and many more. In addition to the main event, dealers around the world held smaller AquaPaloozas, proving that a Sea Ray even makes live music sound better.

Water Under the Bridge Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin’s steel Michigan Avenue Bridge was set to be torn down when members of Fish Creek’s extended, Sea Ray-owning MacDonald clan had an idea. They called in musical friends— including Jackson Browne and the Go-Go’s—and thus was born the Steelbridge Songfest, an annual concert and citywide festival. And there are no better seats than from the family’s various Sea Rays just offshore from the fest.

Affairs to Remember vol. 18 issue 01

For the debut of Sea Ray’s L-Class in 2014, the company launched an epic voyage of the flagship L650 Fly, traveling up the coast from Florida to New England. Along the way, Sea Ray hosted a series of gala events, featuring test drives of Aston Martins, flutes of Champagne and, naturally, tours of the gorgeous new yacht.

25

sr.sp17.Farewell.indd 25

4/7/17 11:00 AM

Sea Ray Living 26

sr.sp17.Farewell.indd 26

4/3/17 3:55 PM

International Magazine of Mystery Sea Rays bejewel harbors around the world, and the many beautiful international cities where Sea Ray Living explored the Sea Ray life include: Sydney, Hong Kong, Rio de Janero, Moscow, Istanbul, Osaka, Brisbane, Stockholm, Montreal City, Amsterdam, Phuket, Cannes, Tangiers, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Helsinki, Freeport, Auckland, Gibraltar, Shanghai, Vancouver‌ and many more.

sr.sp17.Farewell.indd 27

4/3/17 3:55 PM

23 56 89 SEA RAY LIVING

BY THE

NUMBERS

17 66 06 30+ 490+

YEARS PUBLISHED

ISSUES

CONTINENTS COVERED COUNTRIES COVERED OWNER STORIES

7000+ PHOTOS

sr.sp17.Farewell.indd 28

And We’re Just Getting Started Since the beginning, the heart of Sea Ray Living has been the families—the passionate boaters who graciously invited the magazine crew into their worlds and shared their unique recipes for the good life. Spanning the globe and encompassing multiple generations, Sea Ray owners demonstrated that whether your crew consists of a canine companion, a gaggle of teenagers, a few cherished friends, a significant other or simply Mother Nature, the path to happiness is best enjoyed when paved in water and navigated by Sea Ray. To all who have contributed their stories, and to all who share our eager anticipation for the boating moments that lie ahead: Thank you. We look forward to continuing to share your stories. SR

4/7/17 2:41 PM

vol. 18 issue 01 29

sr.sp17.Farewell.indd 29

4/7/17 2:42 PM

FETCHING THE

GOOD

LIFE ONE SEA RAY DOG AND HER FAMILY CHASE AFTER ALL THE YACHTING LIFE HAS TO OFFER

sr.sp17.Seattle.indd 30

4/7/17 4:01 PM

WRITTEN BY JENNIFER CHESAK PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROBERT GLOVER

sr.sp17.Seattle.indd 31

4/7/17 4:02 PM

E

EVEN THOUGH IT DOESN’T SQUEAK WHEN SQUEEZED AND IT CAN’T BE FETCHED, AUSTRALIAN SHEPARD KAYLA’S FAVORITE TOY IS THE ONE WITH HER NAME ON IT: THE GELLER FAMILY’S SUNDANCER 510.

“She’s a member of the family,” Cathia Geller says of Kayla.

“We take her everywhere we possibly can. She is a pretty good sea dog as long as the water is smooth. It’s the ultimate dogwith-her-head-out-the-window experience.”

Cathia, her husband, David, and their daughter, Lila (14), like to take Kayla the Sea Ray everywhere, too. The family lives in Sammamish, Washington, and keeps the boat docked in Kirkland on Lake Washington. They often take their boat through the Montlake Cut to reach Lake Union for access to Seattle. “The best way to see the city is by water,” David says.

The Gellers like to look at the homes along the water (where Kayla can spy on other dogs in yards), take in views of the Space Needle, and enjoy firework displays on New Year’s Eve and the

Sea Ray Living

Fourth of July.

32

sr.sp17.Seattle.indd 32

4/7/17 4:03 PM

vol. 18 issue 01 33

sr.sp17.Seattle.indd 33

4/7/17 4:03 PM

Sea Ray Living

“The islands are just amazing. We like all the little vibrant artist communities. We do our holiday shopping there and get unique pieces you can’t find anywhere else. We like to put what we can back into those economies.”

“We’re probably some of the most active boaters in the area,” David says. In addition to enjoying the lakes, the Gellers like to explore the San Juan Islands and beyond, and they take the boat out year round. An easy winter adventure for them includes throwing their snow skis in the back, cruising up to Canada, and then taking a bus to Whistler to hit the slopes. The cockpit’s sliding glass doors have proved to be a great feature for the Gellers, so they can crank up the heat during these coldweather excursions. Kayla likes the fact that she can still see out and keep watch over her domain.

In order to select a boat, the Gellers joke that they let Kayla paw through a Sea Ray catalog until she barked twice and wagged her tail at the one she liked. In reality, the Gellers chose their boat on both form and function. “It had beautiful lines and a wider base,” Cathia says, “so we thought it would ride better.” Kayla favors the hydraulic swim platform for easy access to the water when she desires a cool dip. “She loves to swim,” Cathia says. “She keeps coming and going until she is shivering and ready to pass out.”

The Gellers traded in a smaller boat of a different brand to get the 510, which they bought from Lake Union Sea Ray. “It’s not your typical dealer relationship,” David explains. “They make it more of a family-type experience. We’ll get invited to boating events in the San Juans.”

On their own or with friends, the Gellers like to explore quaint ports of call in the Pacific Northwest. “The islands are just amazing,” Cathia says. They favor villages and towns with boutiques, shops, galleries and mom-and-pop restaurants. “We like all the little vibrant artist communities,” Cathia adds. “We do our holiday shopping there and get unique pieces you can’t find anywhere else. We like to put what we can back into those economies.” Their favorites include Roche Harbor, which they like for its sculpture garden; Port Townsend for its summer jazz festival; and La Conner for its artisanal shops. These small communities are also great for giving daughter Lila her independence. “She brings a friend along, and they just take off,” Cathia says. Kayla gets to take walks, but she also likes to hang back at the marina and keep an eye on her boat.

34

sr.sp17.Seattle.indd 34

4/7/17 4:04 PM

vol. 18 issue 01

(Previous page) Kayla and her humans navigate Seattle’s Montlake Cut on their Sundancer 510. (Above) The Gellers soak up every drop of sunshine they can get during Western Washington’s glorious summers.

35

sr.sp17.Seattle.indd 35

4/7/17 4:04 PM

Sea Ray Living

(Top) Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market, overlooking Elliott Bay, is popular with out-of-town visitors and locals like the Gellers alike. (Above) A view from the bay includes the Space Needle and, off in the distance, the snow-capped mountains of the Cascades. (Next pages) The family cruises past Seattle’s funky Gas Works Park.

36

sr.sp17.Seattle.indd 36

4/7/17 4:05 PM

For the Gellers, an important part of any trip, whether staying closer to home or heading out to Puget Sound, is enjoying the whole journey. Even going through the locks has become something they relish, making a fun tradition out of it. “The lock people know us as the Girl Scout Cookie Boat,” Cathia says. When they first got started in boating, the Gellers hoped for a little extra attention from the attendants since they were new to the process, so on the way through they’d toss up a box of cookies, and they’d do the same thing on the way back. The family is well acquainted with the process now, but they still like to dole out the treats in thanks. Kayla’s fine with that tradition, too, as long as the family doesn’t take to handing out her dog biscuits.

The Gellers enjoy the escape that the boat allows and how it fosters family memories, but they also delight in sharing the experience. “It’s a great party boat,” Cathia says. Each spring, Lila hosts an endof-the-year school party on the Sea Ray. “Lila and her friends get out in the water on all sorts of floats and paddleboards,” Cathia says. “Then they come inside and veg.” The kids like to throw the ball for Kayla so that she can get in on the celebration, too.

“We had this philosophy when we got the boat,” David says, “that we’re going to invite everybody.” Before owning a boat, the Gellers knew several people with boats, but rarely did they find themselves invited on excursions. The Gellers acknowledge that people just get busy or don’t always want to entertain guests, but that’s exactly the type of thing they love to do. “We are always open to taking people out,” he adds.

“Anyone who has a visitor from out of town who wants to see Seattle from the water, we offer to take them.” Cathia recently used the boat to host a high school reunion group, for example.

“We are always open to taking people out. Anyone who has a visitor from out of town who wants to see Seattle from the water, we offer to take them.” vol. 18 issue 01 37

sr.sp17.Seattle.indd 37

4/7/17 4:05 PM

Sea Ray Living

“We donate our time and the fuel, and then all the money from the auction goes to the cause. I like having it as a tool for fundraising for the organizations we care about.�

38

sr.sp17.Seattle.indd 38

4/3/17 10:39 AM

vol. 18 issue 01 39

sr.sp17.Seattle.indd 39

4/3/17 10:39 AM

Cathia, who used to work in public relations for tech companies, has changed her focus to fundraising and community activism. She was born and raised in Iran, moved to Italy for a time and then moved to Washington, D.C., where she and David met. David, who grew up on the East Coast, writes software, and he’s even made the Sea Ray his office a time or two. He’s also the educational chairperson at the Meydenbauer Yacht Club, and a member of the Seattle branch of the Sail and Power Squadron. He teaches medical and fire safety and is a volunteer firefighter and EMT. Lila is in choir and on the dance team, and all those aforementioned Girl Scout cookies are courtesy of her.

As for Kayla? She’s content filling the role she was born to play: captain and queen of the ship. SR

Sea Ray Living

The Gellers also use their Sea Ray for philanthropic endeavors. They like to donate a Sea Ray cruise to the fundraising efforts of several nonprofits. Often the cruise is part of an auction, and the highest bidder gets to enjoy a tour of the lakes— complete with the cookie delivery in the locks. “We donate our time and the fuel, and then all the money from the auction goes to the cause,” Cathia explains. “I like having it as a tool for fundraising for the organizations we care about.” The Gellers pay particular attention to organizations that focus on education, the environment and, in honor of Kayla, animal rights.

40

sr.sp17.Seattle.indd 40

4/7/17 4:05 PM

vol. 18 issue 01 41

sr.sp17.Seattle.indd 41

4/7/17 4:06 PM

GIRLS JUST WANNA BOAT A SEA RAY COUPLE TREATS THEIR YOUNG DAUGHTERS TO LIFE ON THE LAKE

WRITTEN BY

JENNIFER CHESAK PHOTOGRAPHED BY

MIKE CALABRO

sr.sp17.Idaho.indd 42

4/3/17 10:24 AM

sr.sp17.Idaho.indd 43

4/3/17 10:24 AM

J

Jason Heffernan grew up in a family of five kids, four of whom were boys. Growing up surrounded by mostly boys didn’t exactly prepare him for his current role as a dad to three girls, with a fourth on the way this spring. “It’s fun…it’s interesting,” Jason says with a laugh. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Jason and his wife, Devin, are parents to Addison (9), Bailey (7) and Ellie (18 months). Before the girls get to the hectic teen years, the couple knows the best way to bring the family together is through weekend getaways at the lake. They started by buying a cabin on northern Idaho’s serene Lake Coeur d’Alene, just a little more than an hour’s drive from their home in Spokane, Washington. Jason spent a lot of time on Lake Coeur d’Alene as a kid visiting friends’ lake homes, and the nostalgia brought him back. “My family didn’t have a cabin,” he says, “but I always thought it would be pretty neat if I could do it for my family. And I got pretty lucky with that.”

Taking it one step further, Jason and Devin started looking at boats to better enjoy the lake, deciding on a Sea Ray Sundancer 260 for its built-in comfort and safety for the girls. “We knew we wanted

Sea Ray Living

a cruiser type because it fit better with our family being able to go below deck,” Jason explains. “This way they can get out of the sun.”

44

sr.sp17.Idaho.indd 44

4/3/17 3:27 PM

vol. 18 issue 01 45

sr.sp17.Idaho.indd 45

4/3/17 10:24 AM

Sea Ray Living 46

sr.sp17.Idaho.indd 46

4/3/17 10:24 AM

(Above) Young Addison, Bailey and Ellie Heffernan thrill at every opportunity to boat with mom Devin and dad Jason on the family’s Sundancer 260. Lake Coeur d’Alene provides the perfect setting.

vol. 18 issue 01 47

sr.sp17.Idaho.indd 47

4/7/17 11:04 AM

Sea Ray Living

(Above) Safely at anchor, Addison and Bailey claim their spot at the helm. Before getting underway, they cede the wheel to their dad. (Opposite) Proud parents Jason and Devin share a laugh with baby Ellie.

48

sr.sp17.Idaho.indd 48

4/3/17 10:24 AM

“We looked at a couple of different boats and the thing that I heard the most about a Sea Ray is that it maintains its value.”

Although Jason had spent plenty of time on boats as a kid and young adult, he’d never owned his own before, and so began the research. “We looked at a couple of different boats,” Jason says, “and the thing that I heard the most about a Sea Ray is that it maintains its value.” With a growing family, the Heffernans may choose to get a larger vessel someday, but until then they wanted a boat that would stand the test of a sometimes-choppy lake and the loving use of their three kids. “It’s a well-known name.

People know a Sea Ray was built right,” Jason says. “Some of the other boat brands try to add things to the boat that you don’t need that end up breaking, but the stuff Sea Ray does, they do well.”

The Heffernans bought their Sea Ray from Trudeau’s Marine in Spokane. “They were great,” Jason says of the dealership. “They worked with me and gave me a good price on the boat.” He adds that they went above and beyond with helping him customize the purchase with the options he wanted.

“They’ve been great at following up with us, too,” he says.

The family’s cabin is just a short ride from the Coeur d’Alene Resort, and they often head there to enjoy food at the Dockside Grill.

“There are all sorts of restaurants,” Jason says.

“You can literally be downtown in 10 minutes, so the kids just have a blast taking the boat across the lake for breakfast or to get ice cream.” As for ice cream for breakfast, Jason says he’s certain they could con him into it.

Whatever they do in town, Jason says it’s much more fun to take the boat than to drive all the way around the lake.

vol. 18 issue 01

Jason was also impressed with Sea Ray’s Dynamic Running Surface™ option, which allows the boat to plane at a lower speed, helps reduce bow rise, and optimizes trim throughout the ride. “I was interested in that stabilization,” he says. “It’s a little bit corrective and makes it easier to drive. I think that’s a neat feature, especially with kids.”

Jason, who is a hospitalist (a physician who specializes in general medicine of hospitalized patients), and Devin, an ER nurse who also teaches at a nursing school, have loaded schedules, and the Sundancer 260 gives them a place to get away from it all. “Physicians tend to want to work all the time,” Jason explains. “If I go to the cabin, I bring work, but you can’t do that while being out and operating the boat, so it’s a good reason not to do work.”

49

sr.sp17.Idaho.indd 49

4/7/17 11:06 AM

Sea Ray Living

“Between sports and the lake we do a good job of staying busy, and the cabin and the boat help us escape the hustle and bustle.”

Besides, there’s more to explore by way of the water. “It’s such a big lake,” Jason says, “you can always go somewhere different. We like to take little day trips and find a place to set up camp for the afternoon." Often they will bring food along for an onboard picnic.

“The girls can jump off the back and swim,” Jason says. On more ambitious days, they’ll take advantage of the Sundancer 260’s sporty side. “You can do pretty well with tubing on it,” Jason says. “That’s something we got them into this year with the boat. For kids this age, it’s perfect. And you can fit extra people onboard to watch them.”

These extra people tend to come around in the summer, when Coeur d’Alene’s activity picks up pace. “They have car shows, festivals and all sorts of stuff,” Jason says. One of his favorite events is watching the big Fourth of July fireworks display that the resort puts on.

“You get to sit right underneath it all,” he says.

“This year it was neat to take the kids out and let them experience fireworks from the boat.

It’s something I used to do all the time.”

With wild work schedules and the girls’ activities—soccer and softball, depending on the season—the Heffernans have to remain diligent about taking time for their little getaways. “Between sports and the lake we do a good job of staying busy,” Jason says, “and the cabin and the boat help us escape the hustle and bustle.”

When they can do that, Jason and Devin can focus on quality time with their daughters and making memories the entire family will cherish. SR

50

sr.sp17.Idaho.indd 50

4/3/17 3:31 PM

vol. 18 issue 01 51

sr.sp17.Idaho.indd 51

4/3/17 10:25 AM

sr.sp17.LadySmith.indd 52

4/3/17 3:23 PM

OH CANADA

A LIFELONG BOATER USES HIS SEA RAY TO DISCONNECT FROM WORK AND RELAX WITH HIS FAMILY

WRITTEN BY

JENNIFER CHESAK PHOTOGRAPHED BY

ROBERT GLOVER

sr.sp17.LadySmith.indd 53

4/7/17 11:08 AM

A Sea Ray Living

A memory of getting seasick might turn most people off to the boating life, but not for Sea Ray Fly 510 owner Mike Crucil. Mike recalls a time that he went fishing with his dad and friends in British Columbia’s Gulf Islands and became ill in the chop. “The fishing was so good they dropped me off at an island and came back to get me,” he says with a laugh.

That memory and countless others of exploring the region’s waterways and ports of call on his aunt and uncle’s yacht solidified his love for the water. “I was always excited when they asked me to go,” Mike says. “And the times we went up to Desolation Sound have really stuck with me.” Thankfully, Mike grew his sea legs so he could eventually share in on the fun with his family.

Mike and his wife, Lisa, have three adult children—Courtenay (29), Alissa (27), and Stefan (22). The whole family lives in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Mike and Lisa keep their Sea Ray a short drive south in Ladysmith, where they have a 70-foot boathouse. “I had it built even though we didn’t know what Sea Ray model we were buying yet,” Mike says. The boathouse has laundry units, a mezzanine level and a powered overhead door. “It protects our investment,” he says of the boat.

The Crucils, who own a construction business, are loyal to Sea Ray due to the brand’s reputation for durability and functionality. “In my line of work, I equate everything with quality,” Mike says. The Fly 510 is their third Sea Ray after previously owning a bowrider and a Sundancer.

They chose the Sea Ray brand initially after searching online forums and reading stories about Sea Rays remaining intact after major storms and hurricanes. “We read about the strength of the hull, and people talked about the safety,” Lisa says. “That was one of the things that stood out to me.”

Not long after, the Crucils went to see a few Sea Rays in person. “We’d go to boat shows and look at them and really see the quality and craftsmanship,” she recalls.

54

sr.sp17.LadySmith.indd 54

4/3/17 3:23 PM

vol. 18 issue 01 55

sr.sp17.LadySmith.indd 55

4/3/17 3:23 PM

Sea Ray Living 56

sr.sp17.LadySmith.indd 56

4/3/17 3:23 PM

(Previous page) The Crucils’ 70-foot boathouse is a feat of modern construction. (Opposite) Mike and Lisa relax in the doorway of their Fly 510’s salon, which connects seamlessly to the outdoor cockpit. (Above left) The peaceful harbor. (Above right) Mike and Lisa check out the state-of-the-art helm station. (Top right) British Columbia’s natural wonders include colorful Butchart Gardens.

Part of the excitement for the Crucils in buying the 510 was taking a trip to Sea Ray’s Palm Coast plant in Florida to watch the construction of their boat. Upon arrival, Mike and Lisa were touched to see a large welcome sign with their names on it. “We walked through the factory, and it was pretty cool to look at how they build the boats,” Mike says. “Ours was in the final stage of completion, but we could still see enough to know what was going on. I see, even to this day when I am crawling around in the engine room, how much quality goes into it.”

Lisa admired the construction and the fit and finish, as well, but she was also honored to meet the very people who were building her yacht. “Everything was built right here in North America, which was awesome,” she says.

vol. 18 issue 01

Mike was so confident in the Sea Ray reputation that he bought that first preowned bowrider sight unseen through an online auction. “It was way better than I ever thought it could be,” he says. “It was a beautiful boat.”

Eventually, the Crucils traded up for a small Sundancer, which they bought from M&P Mercury, the Sea Ray dealership in Vancouver where they also purchased their Fly 510. “They are very professional people,” Mike says of the dealership staff.

“And to this day, meeting them at any function we go to, they are very friendly.”

The Crucils have enjoyed attending various M&P gatherings to meet likeminded boaters and share in the Sea Ray camaraderie. “We have a lot more to explore,” Lisa says of the Gulf Islands. “And people are introducing us to their secret hiding spots.”

57

sr.sp17.LadySmith.indd 57

4/7/17 11:10 AM

Sea Ray Living

“As soon as you get on the boat, your awareness shifts to focus on your surroundings. That keeps me present with my family and present with myself.”

Now that the boat is off the factory floor and on the water in Ladysmith, the Crucils have had fun exploring. “It’s pretty quick for us to get out into the Southern Gulf Islands,” Lisa says. “We’re close to Salt Spring Island, where they’ve got their Saturday Market.” In addition to local produce and artisanal food and desserts, the event features wares from local potters, jewelry makers, clothing designers and more. Mike and Lisa also enjoy heading to Victoria, located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, to visit colorful Butchart Gardens, which in the summer hosts daily lawn concerts with an open-air stage and a fireworks show each Saturday night.

Lately the Crucils have gotten into crabbing and finding clams and oysters.

Friends have taught them the proper onboard cooking techniques, so they’ve been working on getting their Fly’s galley outfitted with the right pots. Sometimes the Crucils stick close to their home port and find a place to raft up with friends for a picnic onboard. Other times, they’ll use the flybridge for hosting parties. “We’ve had big groups of people up there,” Lisa says. “It’s a dance floor basically, and our son will play the guitar.” On quieter evenings, they enjoy playing cards.

58

sr.sp17.LadySmith.indd 58

4/7/17 11:11 AM

(Left) Lisa handles the lines like a pro, securing the Fly 510 at the dock. (Above and opposite) The Crucils’ home port in Ladysmith affords them easy access to scenic spots like the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island’s Fisgard Lighthouse (shown opposite)—not to mention stellar views from their own marina.

vol. 18 issue 01

The bridge also provides great visibility when navigating, and was a huge selling point for Mike. “I like being perched up there like a crow,” he says. “You’re very much aware of your surroundings.” Mike has a lot of knowledge about the area, thanks to his boating experiences as a child. “My dad would say ‘that’s where a tugboat sank’ or ‘there’s a reef over here,’” Mike says. “Now, having all the electronics on our boat—it just blows me away. You can see all these aspects, and the awareness is so amazing.”

Even though taking out the Fly 510 entails leaving land and sitting on his perch, Mike calls boating “a grounding experience” because it allows him to access a new dynamic.

“Running a business comes with day-to-day stress you don’t even know you have,” he explains. “As soon as you get on the boat, your awareness shifts to focus on your surroundings.

That keeps me present with my family and present with myself. And I feel good about investing in that.” SR

59

sr.sp17.LadySmith.indd 59

4/7/17 11:12 AM

L A R U T A N R E D N WO OUR Y N E P ILL O W 0 2 3 R E TING C A N O A B D F N O IND K THE SU W E N A MIND TO

sr.sp17.Sundancer320.indd 60

4/3/17 11:07 AM

AMY WIDEMAN JEROM WASSENAAR

WRITTEN BY PHOTOGRAPHED BY

sr.sp17.Sundancer320.indd 61

4/3/17 11:07 AM

A

But Sea Ray wasn’t satisfied with making such trade-offs, believing firmly that customers shouldn’t have to compromise when investing in their family’s happiness.

And so, from deep in the minds of Sea Ray’s talented product design and engineering teams, a new concept emerged for a sport cruiser that didn’t cave to the limitations of sport cruiser thinking.

Thus was born the new Sundancer 320, a bold new vision for boating that reimagines the balance of indoor and outdoor space.

By blending the values of a cruiser and a bowrider in one compelling package, the 320 presents a choice that doesn’t require making sticky choices. Dayboat or overnight boat? Invite the kids’ friends or the adults’? Stretch out in the bow or stand up in the cabin? Why not both?

Sea Ray Living

boat’s fundamental purpose is to empower you to enjoy the outdoors: the sun, the water, the breeze, the awesome views of a shoreline or a skyline that can only be obtained by leaving land.

Of course, certain parameters must be observed: a boat should move you, physically and emotionally, through a combination of power, craftsmanship, design, and fit and finish. A boat needs to look, move and feel like a boat, and it needs to operate within the laws of, well, physics. Traditionally, that meant certain trade-offs: Bow space was sacrificed to gain headroom in the cabin. Large outdoor cockpits borrowed space from indoor galleys. Swim platforms ceded valuable inches to outboard engines.

62

sr.sp17.Sundancer320.indd 62

4/3/17 11:07 AM

“It’s a reimagining of the sport cruiser, offering more usable outdoor space than ever, while maintaining the iconic good looks, impressive performance and overnighting capabilities that our customers have always looked to the Sundancer series to provide.” vol. 18 issue 01 63

sr.sp17.Sundancer320.indd 63

4/3/17 11:07 AM

Sea Ray Living

“We were focused on the notion of blended values—bringing together ‘the best of both worlds,’” said Tom Buccacio, senior director of design for Sea Ray Boats.

“Based on customer feedback, we saw a huge appetite in the cruiser market for an increased amount of usable outdoor space.

One of our primary goals became to design a bow area that wasn’t just a sunpad, but instead allowed for full use of the deck.”

Notable spaces on the Sundancer include a crowd-pleasing cockpit with amenities for entertaining, a remarkably comfortable cabin, and a bow lounge area that achieves precisely what Tom and his team set out to accomplish. You’ll enjoy the natural world as never before—and you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything but this.

“The Sundancer 320 is poised to reinvent the cruising market,” said Brad Anderson, president and general manager of Sea Ray Sport Boats and Sport Cruisers, speaking prior to the boat’s world premiere at the Miami International Boat Show. “It’s a reimagining of the sport cruiser, offering more usable outdoor space than ever, while maintaining the iconic good looks, impressive performance and overnighting capabilities that our customers have always looked to the Sundancer series to provide.”

The Sundancer 320 maximizes the use of onboard space through a reexamination of deck architecture, with three primary entertainment zones. First, the traditional bow sunpad has evolved into a much more robust lounge seating area, inviting a group to socialize and enjoy the view. The best part? The bow can be fully enjoyed while underway. Actuated headrests, armrests and seats allow users to adjust for perfect comfort, with a stowable table conveniently in reach. A bow sunshade extends over the area to offer protection from the sun while at rest.

Meanwhile, the cockpit affords effortless, versatile enjoyment of the water, with a natural flow from the helm all the way through the transom and onto the integrated swim platform. A reversible helm companion seat converts to face aft, facilitating conversation with the rest of the cockpit. A well-equipped standard wet bar includes a sink and storage, and offers a refrigerator and grill as options.

Throughout, refined finishes demonstrate Sea Ray’s dedication to craftsmanship and elegance.

Aft, enjoy comfortable cockpit seating and ample storage space in the transom.

Or, boaters can choose the optional sungate layout to gain a large sunpad, affording great views of the water and a prime spot to relax and soak up rays. Cleverly concealed storage underneath the sunpad holds fenders, lines or water toys.

64

sr.sp17.Sundancer320.indd 64

4/7/17 11:14 AM

vol. 18 issue 01

Notable spaces on the Sundancer include a crowd-pleasing cockpit with amenities for entertaining. You’ll enjoy the natural world as never before—and you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything but this.

65

sr.sp17.Sundancer320.indd 65

4/7/17 11:15 AM

Sea Ray Living 66

sr.sp17.Sundancer320.indd 66

4/3/17 11:07 AM

From a performance standpoint, the Sundancer 320 demonstrates its bowrider inspirations beautifully, thanks to its high-efficiency engines and a precisionengineered hull. Twin MerCruiser® Bravo III Sterndrives with SmartCraft® Digital Throttle & Shift are the standard propulsion system, while a choice of Axius® propulsion options add joystick control, delivering incredibly precise maneuvering and effortless docking. Truly, even the tightest of slips are no longer a source of anxiety.

The state-of-the-art helm station is also geared toward worry-free operation.

Custom Sea Ray SmartCraft gauges provide easy monitoring of boat systems. Not to mention a healthy dose of style: Attractive low-glare blue night lighting and chrome bezels give the captain an appealing view both inside and outside the boat.

The level of finish at the helm area is typical of the boat as a whole. Interiors have a beautiful, modern aesthetic that adheres to the Sea Ray legacy while adding just a touch of international flavor. Contemporary wood and upholstery choices are sure to please even the most discerning audiences.

“The Sundancer 320 offers the best of both worlds—day boating and cabin cruising—by expanding on the strengths of both rather than compromising,” Brad said. “The boat demonstrates incredible harmony of design and function. We are thrilled to begin a new chapter in the evolution of the Sundancer series.” SR

vol. 18 issue 01

“The Sundancer 320 is at the cuttingedge of the cruiser market, offering a unique product for consumers to maximize their time on the water,” Brad noted.

And for getting out of the elements or making an overnight or weekend-long getaway, the Sundancer 320 features a beautifully designed cabin with sleeping accommodations for four. In the aft berth, two sliding twin beds can be combined to form a queen bed. In the forward V-berth, a stylish wood table converts via filler cushion to form a comfortable full-sized bed. A deluxe head, gourmet-ready galley with extending countertops, flatscreen TV and generous storage round out this inviting space.

“We see this model as putting more ‘sun’ in ‘Sundancer,’” Tom explained. “But that doesn’t mean boaters don’t also have the desire to get out of the sun from time to time. The cabin on the 320 provides a perfect place to escape the elements and increases the overall comfort and versatility of the boat.”

67

sr.sp17.Sundancer320.indd 67

4/7/17 11:16 AM

VOLUME 18 ISSUE 01

S E A R AY S P O T L I G H T

HOST WITH THE MOST

Sea Ray Living

WRITTEN BY AMY WIDEMAN | IMAGES COURTESY OF SEA RAY

Social, spacious and packed with design innovations, Sea Ray’s new SLX 400 is the consummate entertaining platform

T

here’s no party quite like a party on a boat. The playlist takes on a cheerful echo as it bounces over the water, and the cocktails taste better when spiked with a marine breeze. Even the conversations feel elevated when every face is lit by pure, unadulterated sunshine.

In that spirit comes the Sea Ray SLX 400, the new leader in premium day boat luxury and the winner of a 2017 NMMA Innovation Award. With deluxe amenities galore—including a gamechanging new fold-down swim terrace—the SLX 400 encourages owners and their guests to enjoy epic days on the water. It’s the consummate entertainer for large social scenes and an inviting oasis for all-day cruising, docktailing and coving.

Ready to extend hours into the evening? Not a problem with the SLX 400, which comfortably sleeps four adults.

“The SLX 400 was conceived as the ideal entertaining vessel for socializing with large groups of family and friends, no matter the boaters’ preferred on-water fun,” said Brad Anderson, president and general manager of Sea Ray Sport Boats and Sport Cruisers. “It truly is ‘the Entertainer,’ not only for Sea Ray’s luxury day boat offerings, but also for the market as a whole.”

68

sr.sp17.spotlight_SLXW.indd 68

4/7/17 11:20 AM

vol. 18 issue 01 69

sr.sp17.spotlight_SLXW.indd 69

4/3/17 4:03 PM

Sea Ray Living

(Above) A retractable sunshade deploys electronically from the hardtop to extend sun protection far aftward, while an additional sunshade provides coverage for the bow. (Opposite, top) The SLX 400’s Digital Dash provides an incredibly intuitive captaining experience. (Opposite, bottom) The forward-facing touring seats in the bow provide unobstructed views and a great place to gather with friends, at rest or underway.

Boaters will be hard-pressed to find anything this boat can’t do—or store. For those into stand-up paddle boarding, you’ll find enclosed storage for two full-sized boards. Additional storage throughout the boat holds large items, towels and other belongings safely out of the fray.

For entertaining, the expansive cockpit is a party waiting to happen: A well-appointed wet bar with refrigerator, sink and available dual grills makes for happier happy hours, while the transom entertainment zone—featuring a stereo, sprayer, and comfy aft-facing seating overlooking the integral extended swim platform—allows passengers and swimmers to interact more naturally, and clean up more easily after climbing out of the water. An extendable sunshade deploys electronically to add sun protection.

But the most remarkable cockpit feature is the innovative new fold-down swim terrace, a brilliantly designed wing of the hull that opens 90 degrees to expand the cockpit all the way to the water.

A plush sunpad extends the width of the transom and features a converting backrest that opens to face the side patio.

“We’re really excited about the new swim terrace feature,” said Tom Bucaccio, senior director of design for Sea Ray Boats, “It creates the effect of a lobby, extending the experience on the boat out to the water in a more natural, continuous flow.”

The bow is another social zone that accommodates a crowd with ease. A row of forward touring seats features arm rests and convenient cupholders, with additional forward benches that surround a stylish bow table, which also converts into a sunpad. A bow sunshade stretches over this zone too, providing additional shade.

Innovations found throughout the SLX 400 include Axius ® joystick control, for effortless docking and maneuvering in the tightest of spaces; and proprietary Quiet Ride ™ technology, enhancing the boating experience by dramatically reducing noise, vibration and harshness for easier conversation, even at speed.

Intuitive command comes courtesy of an advanced Digital Dash, featuring twin 12-inch Raymarine ® glass displays. Dynamic Running Surface ™ boosts precision and stability, automatically optimizing running attitude and trim.

70

sr.sp17.spotlight_SLXW.indd 70

4/7/17 11:21 AM

Confident, assertive proportions and sophisticated finishes drive home the fact that this is no ordinary day boat.

vol. 18 issue 01

And while it bears all the hallmarks of the SLX series, including superior fit and finish, the SLX 400 goes above and beyond to provide even more capacity for socialization, watersports and overnighting.

Confident, assertive proportions and sophisticated finishes drive home the fact that this is no ordinary day boat. The SLX 400 achieves a purity of line and form that will turn heads and win hearts.

Premium comforts extend to the cabin as well. In the aft section, a queen-sized bed allows for overnight stays. The forward bunk converts from a social gathering area to a wide bed to sleep additional passengers. And an elegant enclosed head ensures comfort during extended outings, while available flatscreen TVs inspire memorable movie nights on the boat.

“Sea Ray continues to push the envelope for performance, design and capability,” said Kevin Reilly, product portfolio director for Sea Ray Sport Boats and Sport Cruisers. “We’re proud to introduce a new flagship in our SLX series that embodies Orchestrated Excellence on a whole new level.” SR

71

sr.sp17.spotlight_SLXW.indd 71

4/7/17 11:23 AM

S E A R AY

HORIZONS CELEBRATE & ENHANCE YOUR SEA RAY LIFE

Craving more Sea Ray content? At searay.com, you can sign up to stay immersed in the Sea Ray Life with email newsletters, videos and updates. Plus, for exclusive Sea Ray news and events, lively conversations with fellow boaters, easy access to owners and parts manuals, informative videos and much more, the Sea Ray Owners Club Online Community is your 24/7, go-to source. Visit ownersclub.searay.com and register using your Hull Identification Number (HIN). There’s a whole lot of Sea Ray living to enjoy…We’ll see you online, at upcoming events—and on the water!

w w w.se aray.co m

sr.sp17.horizons.indd 72

4/5/17 9:35 AM

FOR THOSE WHO MAKE THEIR OWN WAVES

Introducing a sport boat that rewrites all the rules: the Sea Ray SLX-W. Design and propulsion work together as never before to deliver premium wake performance and no-compromises comfort.

Catch the Wave of the Future at searay.com

sr.sp17_ADS.indd 3

4/5/17 4:29 PM

TracVision

®

Bring the Best Onboard!

Official Satellite Partner of

Photo courtesy of SeaRay

1998 –2016 SATELLITE TV PRODUCT AWARD

VIEW PROMOS Scan or visit kvh.com/marinepromos

• A solution for every size boat • User-friendly interface for easy set-up and operation • Ultra-fast satellite acquisition & high-performance tracking

TV-series

HD-series

T V 1

T V 3

T V 5

T V 6

T V 8

H D 7

H D 11

For boats as small as 20 ft.

For 30+ ft. boats

For 40+ ft. boats

For 50+ ft. boats

For 80+ ft. boats

For 50+ ft. boats

For 80+ ft. boats

For all the details, visit: tracvision.com/TVseriesSea ©2017 KVH Industries, Inc. KVH, TracVision, and the unique light-colored dome with dark contrasting baseplate are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc.

All other trademarks are property of their respective companies.

17_TVseries_BestOnboard_SeaRay.indd 1

3/15/17 1:34 PM

sr.sp17_ADS.indd 4

4/4/17 11:53 AM